Markus Riva: “I Can is a song that could represent a lot of different situations” (Latvian candidate – Exclusive Interview)

ESC+Plus has talked to Markus Riva, runner-up in last year’s Latvian national selection for Eurovision and participant of Supernova 2016. Markus will perform “I Can” in the second heat set to take place tomorrow.

ESC+Plus: Hello! First of all, thank you so much for your time and congratulations on having been selected to take part in the Latvian national selection for Eurovision 2016!

Thank you so much! It is my pleasure!

E+: Can you tell us about you, your musical career and important achievements?

My career started long time ago, so far I have released 4 music albums and hit singles. You can check out Youtube for my videos. Last year I was participating at Supernova as well and was one of the finalists for the International talent Show “Want to Meladze”. Last year I received an award from Russian Music Box (Music TV) as the best debut.

E+: What impelled you to take part in “Supernova 2016”?

After Supernova 2015 I was not sure If I will participate, but then I had an idea of I CAN and after I did demo, we submitted that for Supernova as well.

E+: How did you feel when you knew you had qualified for the live shows? Did you expect it?

I was feeling happy and ready to work. We changed the sound production with producer PK from Los Angeles, who did TAKE ME DOWN last year and produced Chris Brown’s FINE CHINA.

E+: What it would mean for you to represent Latvia?

It is a huge platform to showcase my artistry. I would be very proud and use that possibility in every form.

E+: Can you tell us about your song? What is the story behind the lyrics?

I had a break down in October. After very emotional moments in my life – my Birthday, solo concert, CD release I got to know some bad news and was destroyed. I went to studio to release these emotions. So I wrote this motivational song.

E+: Why do you think your song has to be selected for Stockholm? What are you strengths to reach the top in the competition?

First, I think the song fits good in Eurovision playlists. And it has that vibe that could be heard by millions of people. We experience hard times in Europe, there are a lot of bad things going on and I CAN is a song that could represent a lot of different situations – terrorism, refugees, intimacy, love, diseases… And I have a great team that could help me to do good show and good strategy for ESC.

E+: Have you started to prepare your stage performance for “Supernova 2016”?

Yes, I have. I started that already last year. But I would not surprise with big show this time. Not for the first live show. If we get through then we will add some magic.

E+: How do you remember your participation in previous editions of the Latvian national selection for Eurovision?

It is always a good experience. Of course, it is stressful, but like a sport. And I am a fan of the sports. I ended up on second place last year and it was tough competition. But it gave me confidence and new fan base and I enjoyed the experience that comes after these 3 minutes on live shows.

E+: Do you usually watch Eurovision? What are your favorite songs in the history of the competition?

I have been following ESC for all my life. My favourite songs from previous years are Million Voices by Polina Gagarina (She was my mentor on TV talent show “Want to Meladze”), Euphoria by Loreen, I feed you my love by Margaret Berger and many more. Every year there are so many good songs.

E+: If you could choose a Eurovision former participant to sing along with, who would it be?

I think I would join my forces with Polina Gagarina again. You can check out YouTube and show WANT TO MELADZE. She is such a good and nice person and I love her voice.

E+: Besides Eurovision, what are your plans for this year?

I am releasing new song in Latvian and Russian this Spring, new music videos and lot of touring and song writing. I hope this year is going to be insane in a good way.

E+: Finally, can you send a message for our readers and Eurovision fans?

About Tony Rojas (Spain)

Spanish journalist. I love good music and I like Eurovision. I'm bringing you different interviews with the candidates of the European contests for Eurovision. Follow me on @tonyrojas and @tonyrojasofficial (Twitter and Instagram).